Japan’s premier warns of heightened security threats from China and allies, vowing accelerated military expansion and constitutional reform.
Japan’s Prime Minister Warns of China
In her first post-election address, Sanae Takaichi outlined a counterplan against what she described as escalating economic and security threats from China and its partners. Japan faces the “most difficult and complex security situation since World War II,” she stated, citing increased Chinese military activity, closer ties between Beijing and Moscow, and North Korea’s growing nuclear potential. Premier Takaichi noted that China has intensified unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
Prime Minister: Changes to Pacifist Constitution
Takaichi emphasized her government will develop a new defense strategy this year and accelerate military buildup. Japan will double defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March. The politician also announced revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution to define the status of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and amend the law on succession.
Takaichi Reinstated as Premier; Promises Referendum
On Wednesday (February 18), Sanae Takaichi was reappointed as Japan’s prime minister, securing support from 354 out of 465 members in the House of Representatives and 123 of 246 in the House of Councillors. During a press conference, the premier stressed her intent to organize a national referendum on constitutional reform as soon as possible, requiring two-thirds support in both parliamentary chambers. Japan’s pacifist constitution remains unchanged since 1947.